What Is Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (Migs)?
Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) is the latest, most advanced treatment for glaucoma. Instead of performing invasive surgery to relieve the buildup of naturally-occurring fluids within the eye, the physician implants a stent that allows the eye to continuously drain.
In Canada, it can be done as a standalone procedure at the hospital. For patients who are having cataract surgery, MIGS is done at the same time and offers a number of impressive additional benefits:
1. Maintains a lower eye pressure which is essential for better glaucoma control.
Unlike medications which require daily continuous dosing, the stent is a physical medical device that is designed to work continuously. It is the smallest implantable human device.
2. Reduces/eliminates glaucoma medicines
As the intraocular pressure reduces after MIGS, so does the need to use glaucoma medicine.
3. Higher safety profile
Because Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery involves the same smaller incisions as cataract surgery, they are considered MUCH safer than traditional glaucoma surgeries like trabeculectomies.
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the eye’s optic nerve and can, if left untreated, cause vision impairment and even blindness. Glaucoma is asymptomatic-meaning it occurs without noticeable symptoms appearing and can often go undiagnosed without proper checkups and worsen over time. A major risk factor for developing glaucoma is increased eye pressure that occurs when the fluid in the eye-used to transport important nutrients to the lens and cornea-accumulates and cannot drain naturally. Additional risk factors associated with glaucoma also include:
- Advanced age
- Severe myopia (nearsightedness)
- Poor blood circulation
- Genetic (having another family member with glaucoma)
- Thinner corneas
At Fraser Valley Cataract & Laser, our expert Ophthalmologists can treat your glaucoma in the manner best suited for your needs. If you are currently managing your glaucoma with medication and are preparing for cataract surgery, please talk to your surgeon to find out if this procedure is right for you. Learn about our address and contact details for the following locations:
- Ophthalmologist Surrey services
- Ophthalmologist Coquitlam address
- Ophthalmologist Abbotsford contact details
Learn more about your options with laser vision correction. Learn more about the Lasik MD surrey location details. Laser eye surgery is available at all of our locations at Fraser Valley Cataract and Laser. Book your eye doctor consultation now!
